How to Clean Your Garden Tools:
Let‘s start with the basics. Your shovel, spade, hoe, or even the
blades on a hedge trimmer will be a lot easier to use if you take a few
minutes to knock some of the rust off the blade. Not only will this extend the
life of the tool, but also it will cut through the soil better, and thus require
less effort to use, if it has a nice sharp blade. It is a good idea to keep a large
whetstone in your shop. A whetstone is an ideal tool to use to keep all of the
cutting edges of your garden tools honed. It will work well on your shovel, as
well as many other common garden tools.
The best way to use the stone is to find a way to stabilize the tool that
you want to work on. A bench vise is ideal. You will be able to clamp the tool
into place at an angle, so you can work on it. Clamping the garden tool into
place with a vise frees both of your hands to use the whetstone and gives
you more control over what you are doing.
Apply a little lubricating oil to the end of the tool and carefully begin
to work the stone over the blade. Maintain a 30-degree angle between the
stone and the blade to form the ideal cutting edge for your tool. Not only will
the edge become sharper, but you will also be removing any pitting and rust
that has formed at the edge of your tool‘s blade.
In instances where the moving parts of your garden tools (such as
with of any new pruners, shears, and loppers) have frozen in place, like
springs and pivot joints, you should disassemble them first carefully break
free any rust or dirt that may keep the tool from functioning properly. Clean
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accumulated rust and dirt off all metal surfaces with a wire brush. Remove
stubborn rust from small tools with fine steel wool. Using an old toothbrush
with some lightweight lubricating oil is a great way to work fresh oil into the
joints of most garden tools. Not only will this fresh oil helps your tool to
work as it was intended, but it will also prevent the formation of rust. Use
medium-grit sandpaper to remove rust on larger tools such
as shovels, spades, and hoes.
Once your tools are cleaned, they're ready to be sharpened. When
sharpening, try to maintain the original factory bevel or angle. For pruners,
use a whetstone because it produces a very sharp cutting edge. Depending
on the type of whetstone, apply a few drops of oil or water to the stone. With
the bevelled side of the blade against the stone, rub the sharp edge of the
blade toward the stone in a curved motion, as if you were trying to shave off
a thin slice from the stone.
When working with a file, stabilize the blades in a vise or against a
solid surface such as a work bench to avoid injury and ensure an even
stroke. Always push the file across the blade in a motion away from your
body. Move the file diagonally, so that its cutting teeth are biting into the
metal on the tool. When sharpening with a file, do not use oil; metal filings
will accumulate and clog the file's serrations.
Farm implements like ordinary plow and wooden harrow should be
checked thoroughly before use. Loosened bolts and nuts should be
tightened firmly. Disc plow and harrow should also be lubricated on their
moving parts like bearings. Tractors should be tuned-up very well by and
skilled operator. Checking on their oil, lubricant, fuel and cooling system.
Tools that are worn out should be separated and be fixed immediately to
avoid accident.
Where is the maintenance plan for toil care? TLE subject
Answer (1)
Maintenance Plan for Tool Care1. Cleaning ToolsKnock off rust and dirt from blades using a wire brush, fine steel wool, or sandpaper.Use a toothbrush with lubricating oil to clean joints and small parts.Disassemble tools with frozen or stuck parts (like pruners and shears) and clean thoroughly.2. Sharpening ToolsUse a whetstone or file to sharpen shovels, spades, hoes, pruners, and other cutting tools.Maintain the original bevel (30-degree angle) while sharpening.Always clamp the tool in a vise for safety and control.Do not use oil when sharpening with a file (to avoid clogging).3. Lubricating ToolsApply light oil to blades and moving parts to prevent rust.Lubricate bearings, pivot joints, and springs of tools and farm implements.4. Checking Farm ImplementsInspect plows, harrows, and tractors before use.Tighten loose bolts and nuts.Lubricate moving parts (e.g., bearings of plows and harrows).Tune up tractors and check oil, lubricants, fuel, and cooling system.5. Repairing and ReplacingSeparate and fix worn-out tools immediately.Replace broken handles, blades, or parts to avoid accidents.
